Juliett Santana Ruelas

Student of Distinction (2025)

Political Science

 

 

Norco College student Juliett Santana Ruelas was selected as the 2025 Student of Distinction in the discipline of Political Science. She was nominated by Professor Sandra Popiden.

POLS would like to nominate Juliett Santana Ruelas. I had the pleasure of having Juliett in my POLS 4 (World Politics) class last year, where she earned an A grade and exhibited strong leadership qualities and academic capabilities. Dr. Yañez-Ruiz similarly seeks to recognize Juliett for work and contributions in his POL 11 (Political Theory) and POL 23 (Race & Ethnic Politics) courses, and she has excelled throughout her POLS course work.

Juliett is a POLS major who is preparing to transfer. After finishing her BA, she wants to pursue a law degree and continue and earn a PhD and become a college professor.

In addition to her strong academic achievements, Juliett is also emblematic of the Norco College mission and motto, "Today's students, tomorrow's leaders." She is already currently engaged in numerous types of public service, including as the current ASNC Senator of Campus Organizations, the President of the Pre-Law and Politics Club, and leader of the Mustangs Vote - Voter Registration Initiative.

In fall of 2024, Juliett worked diligently to lead and promote the Mustangs Vote, voter education and turnout campaign. She also led our NC Pre-Law and POLS Club and is active as a leader of the Fashion for Change Club. Last semester, Juliett helped to organize and run our Pre-Law & POLS distinguished guest speaker series. This included 7 speakers, such as - CA Rep. Jose Medina, CA Assembly Rep. Sabrina Cervantes, Jurupa Valley Mayor Guillermo Silva, Corona Mayor Tom Richins, CNUSD Board Member and VP Stacy Nicola. As well as our very own Associate Professor of Philosophy, Jose Sentmanat, who shared information about careers in law and his experiences working in the legal field as an Assistant Public Defender and his service on the Madison, WI City Council.

Moreover, Juliett has been also integrally involved in the planning and hosting of two extensive voter information sessions on campus. These have helped to better inform our NC student population about the importance of voting, the CA propositions, and down ballot measures. She has also organized numerous additional voter registration opportunities (such as at our Pre-Law and POLS Club events) and other events on campus. She also serves as the ASNC representative on the NC Distance Education Committee.

POLS offers our highest recommendation for Juliett. She is already exhibiting exemplary scholarship and dedication to public service, leadership, and civic engagement. We would love for Juliett to receive well deserved recognition for her many contributions to the college and community. — Professor Sandra Popiden

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